In my opinion he wouldn't be the GOAT even with 7 rings. Rings are not the sole determinant of where a player ranks on the all time list for me. However if you value winning/only look at things for a winning rings standpoint then Kobe would only rank behind Bill Russell if he were to win 7 rings. Kobe would be solidified in the top 6 with 6 rings (Kareem, Jordan, Russell, Bird, Shaq). With 7 rings he's top 3 or 4. But IMO he can never surpass Kareem and Jordan, who simply were significantly better players than he is, in addition to having better resumes.

Being one of the most unbiased Kobe fans here, Winning just a 7th ring would not change his rank as a top 3 all time.. I think he need a dominant season and playoff in order for him to tie MJ as the GOAT not just a championship..